Washington weather in October
October in Washington averages 69°F by day and 52°F at night, with 3.7 inches of precipitation. It is the 6th-warmest and 5th-wettest month of the year here.
- Average high
- 69°F-11° vs September
- Average low
- 52°F0 nights below freezing
- Precipitation
- 3.7 in5 days with 0.1 in. or more
- Snow
- 0.0 in0 days at 90°F+
Is October a good time to visit Washington?
Yes. October is one of the most comfortable months in Washington by our rule (highs of 62 to 86°F, lows of 42°F or more and under 4.5 inches of precipitation). The most comfortable months overall are April to June and September to October.
Get outside in Washington in October
October is made for being outside. Try Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial. All things to do in Washington.
On October 15 the sun rises at 7:17 am and sets at 6:29 pm, giving 11h 11m of daylight. Daylight all year.
What to pack for Washington in October
- T-shirts and a light jacket or sweater
- An umbrella or rain jacket
Based on 30-year averages, not a forecast. Check the forecast a few days before you go.
October nearby
| City | Distance | High | Low | Precip. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 69°F | 52°F | 3.7 in | |
| Arlington, VA | 5 mi | 69°F | 52°F | 3.7 in |
| Silver Spring, MD | 7 mi | 69°F | 52°F | 3.7 in |
| Alexandria, VA | 7 mi | 69°F | 52°F | 3.7 in |
| Bethesda, MD | 9 mi | 69°F | 52°F | 3.7 in |
| Reston, VA | 15 mi | 68°F | 45°F | 3.7 in |
| Columbia, MD | 23 mi | 68°F | 47°F | 3.9 in |
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Washington in October?
In October, Washington averages a high of 69°F and a low of 52°F, with 3.7 inches of precipitation (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
Is October a good time to visit Washington?
Yes. October is one of Washington's most comfortable months by our rule: highs between 62°F and 86°F, lows of 42°F or more and modest rain.
Does it snow in Washington in October?
Rarely. The October snowfall normal is under half an inch.
Before and after: Washington in September and Washington in November. All twelve months: Washington weather by month.
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals, station Washington Reagan Airport, VA, 3.3 miles from the city center.